Definition of Clinical Research

Clinical research involves the scientific investigation of the etiology, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of human disease using human subjects, human populations or materials of human origin. Included in the definition are studies that utilize tissues or pathogens only if they can be linked to a patient.

Typically research protocols of grant applicants require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. The foundation has funded research that does not require IRB approval, such as research using de-identified patient populations. If a research project is being proposed that does not require IRB approval, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact program staff to discuss whether the proposed research falls within the foundation’s definition of clinical research.

In keeping with the wishes expressed in Doris Duke’s will, experiments that utilize animals or primary tissues derived from animals will not be supported by the Medical Research Program.